NGBF holds peace rallies across Nagaland

Naga women holding placards during the NGBF peace rally in Dimapur on March 9. Similar rallies were held across the State.  (Morung Photo by Soreishim Mahong)
 

Urges Prime Minister for early solution to Indo-Naga issue

 

Morung Express News
Dimapur/ Kohima | March 9

Peace rallies were held across Nagaland today under the banner of the Nagaland GBs Federation (NGBF) urging for an early conclusion to the Indo-Naga political issue. 

In Dimapur, the Dimapur District GB Association (DDGBA) and Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) in a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister appealed for an early conclusion to the Naga issue and said that post October 31, 2019, there is no reason to account for the delay in concluding the ongoing phase of Naga peace talks.

The memo stated that with an acceptable and honourable political solution in the offing, Nagas too are prepared for an enduring peaceful coexistence after seven decades of conflict.

The memorandum was read out by DDGBA president, Khehovi V Chophy, at the ‘Peace rally on Naga political solution’ organized by the Nagaland GB Federation (NGBF) here at DC Court Junction on Monday.

“We are briefed by the negotiators that all unresolved matters as on the date shall be left to be pursued through democratic political processes under the new regime envisaged for Naga areas”, the memorandum stated. It also said that if the Prime Minister wishes, “we believe it will be a matter of brief discourse to streamline and finalize every resolved matter to conclude the agreement.”

Further, the DDGBA and NCD said they have full trust that there would be no new subjects or reversals on any matter already negotiated and agreed upon.

“We urge your esteemed office that whatever is on records as on 31st October 2019 be announced to the Naga people and the world”, the memo stated.

A host of speakers spoke at the rally which was chaired by former NCD president, Savi Liegise.

President, NCD, T Bangerloba, said though Naga struggle for self-determination has crossed 100 years since it began in1919, Naga people are still in a dilemma as there seems to be no solution at sight even after 23 years of peace talks with the Government of India. “We (Nagas) don’t want to linger anymore. We demand immediate solution and no more delay”, the NCD president said.

President, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD), Sungsabeni Jamio, said that Naga women do not want any more bloodshed but desire peace and permanent solution. “Whatever be the agreement, all Nagas must be included. Let this rally be the last in Nagaland. Next time when we gather it should be a celebration of peace”, Sungsabeni said.

NGBF president, Shanlem Konyak, termed the rally as one of pain and sadness and said the presence of too many factions have hampered development in the state due to multiple taxations. He also said one of the main reasons in the delay of a solution to the Naga issue was because of disunity among the Nagas.

President, Western Sumi Hoho Dimapur, Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi, said the Naga public are getting confused and fed up. He however expressed optimism that a solution would finally come.

Former Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Z Lohe meahwile stated that if solution comes, then peace would come as well. He further said that in the name of ‘integration’, there has been too much bloodshed amongst the Nagas. He added that the said solution should be minus the Pan Naga Hoho as the latter would undermine Article 371 (A). 

In Kohima, the rally marched to Raj Bhavan and submitted the memo to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi through Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi.

Earlier, a brief function was chaired by Theja Therieh, President, Chakhesang Hoho Kohima.

Those who spoke at the programme included Vineipra Pienyu, President, Kohima District GB Association; Pankathung, President, Kohima Lotha Hoho; Khevito T Shohe, President, Sumi Hoho Kohima; Yesonu Veyie, Convener, Mediation Committee; Atathu, President, Pochury Hoho Kohima; and Vimedo Hibo, Member, Mediation Committee.

Similar rallies were held in all district headquarters of the state, with copies of the memo submitted to the Deputy Commissioners.